2011: a year in review, part two

It was another year full of achievement, tragedy and everything in between in Hill City. From January to December, events continually happened that made news and shaped Hill City in 2011. This is a month-by-month recap of those events that made the news in our county this past year. The second part of the review recaps events from July through December.
July
• Dave Gray was sworn in as Hill City’s mayor after former Mayor Dan Maxfield resigned.
• A motorcycle accident in Keystone killed the passenger on the 2006 Suzuki. Nicole Lyn Dunn, Rapid City, was thrown from the bike and into an oncoming car after the driver of the motorcycle failed to notice a stopped car in the left passing lane.
• U.S. Representative Kristi Noem listened to input from several witnesses representing federal, state, local and private entities from South Dakota, all concerned about the mountain pine beetle epidemic raging through the Black Hills.
• Mike Jacob, owner of Black Hills Aerial Adventures, was turned down for relocation on Highway 16 near Rockerville. Jacob then entered an agreement with Keystone investor Bill Durst and began flying from a temporary site near Rushmore View Inn. This move was met with much opposition after Keystone residents complained about the noise, wind and safety issues. It was also believed Jacob was responsible for a power outage in Keystone when a tree fell on power lines while trees were being removed on the helicopter owner’s property. Some citizens didn’t mind the nearby helicopter pad, as it brings tourists into the city. Jacob replaced the helicopters with quieter models, changed his flight route and cut back his hours of operation in response to residents’ complaints. Many Keystone residents still wanted a noise ordinance in place and Jacob’s helicopters banned.
• Mike Hanson assumed his role as Hill City superintendent in the beginning of the month. During his first month as superintendent, Hanson examined the school’s budget, looked over operating procedures, met Hill City residents and prepared for his first school board meeting.
• Chad Ronish traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, for the European Council for Nuclear Research. The Hill City high school physics teacher met with other researchers and teachers from over 28 countries. Ronish was one of five high school teachers selected from the United States. The teachers researched on introducing particle physics to classrooms, developed new teaching methods and resources for students and teachers and were also encouraged to use the Internet and increasing technology in order to improve physics.
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